1998 Ferrari 456M vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Ferrari 456M is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 456M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari 456M (435 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 289 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 456M should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ferrari 456M weights approximately 162 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Ferrari 456M (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 1998 Ferrari 456M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 1998 Ferrari 456M has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ferrari 456M will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari 456M | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ferrari | Pontiac |
| Model | 456M | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 435 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2570 mm |
